Overall Rating
5 out of 5

Aprilia’s new Tuono V4 R APRC has genuine superbike performance, advanced electronic rider aids, a MotoGP soundtrack and a real-world, roomy riding position. Could this be the ultimate real-world superbike? Producing a claimed 167bhp, it’s more powerful than its closest super naked rivals, like the Ducati Streetfighter, KTM 990 Super Duke and Triumph Speed Triple. It’s a serious weapon on the track thanks to its balanced chassis, strong brakes, powerful engine, quickshifter, traction control and anti-wheelie. On the road it’s loads of fun when you turn the anti-wheelie off and setting the traction control high to deal with the unexpected, is a useful safety feature. You can be the first away from the traffic light GP too, if you use the electronic launch control. With a wide spread of smooth power and an impeccable throttle response it’s far less brutal then the V-twin Tuono of old. It’s also available without the APRC package for a grand less.

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5

Handling and braking on-track is as good as any superbike and it’s impressively stable for a super naked machine with high handlebars, thanks to its superb chassis set-up and anti-wheelie control. It’s the same confidence-inspiring story on the road and your body isn’t contorted into a race crouch, like on a superbike. The seat is very hard, though and becomes a pain within an hour’s riding. Compared to the RSV4, the chassis is the same but the engine is positioned 5mm lower, the front end kicked out by 10mm and the swingarm pivot lowered by 5mm, to suit the Tuono’s more upright riding position

Engine
5 out of 5

The Tuono uses the same compact 65° V4 engine as the RSV4 superbike, but tweaked slightly to make it friendlier for road riding. Claimed power is 167bhp@11,500rpm and there’s 82ftlb of torque at 9500rpm. The rev limit is set at 12,300rpm.Compared to the RSV4, the motor has new valve timing, 20mm longer fixed intake trumpets (opposed to electronically-operated in the superbike) and a heavier flywheel. The first three ratios in the cassette gearbox are shorter and it still has a slipper clutch.The motor is soft and friendly at low revs, builds strongly in the midrange and explodes into an arm-wrenching frenzy at high rpm. It’s fabulous. Both the APRC and non-APRC versions have three power maps to choose from: T (track), S (sport) and R (road).

Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5

The Tuono is superbly built, has robust paintwork and a polished frame and swingarm. Reliability should be top notch too.

Insurance, running costs & value
5 out of 5

When you consider how much the price of Japanese machinery has increased over the past few years, the Tuono V4 R look like the bargain of the century, especially when you consider its high performance and level of equipment.

Equipment
5 out of 5

Plump for the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) version and you get anti-wheelie, launch and traction control and a quickshifter. That’s on top of a beautifully-crafted aluminium frame and swingarm, fully-adjustable Sachs suspension, Brembo brakes and a switchable display (road/race) LCD dash. You get an amazing amount of equipment for your money.

By
MCN Staff

Owners' Reviews

17 owners have reviewed their APRILIA TUONO V4R (2011-on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Great engine and electronic toys but real pity about reliability and fuel economy. Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

Brilliant.

Engine

5 out of 5

Like someone stuck a ferret down your trousers. You don't buy a bike like this and worry about fuel economy...you just worry where the next gas station is :)

Build Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5

Fork seals gone after 11000kms. Valve clearances naffed at 10000km. Electronics went walkabout after decent ride at 9000k. Too much time in the shop has ruined the love affair. Paying to get stuff fixed annoying too. Pity. Doesn't do much to change the stereotypical Italian quality jokes.

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

$500 is a lot! Drinks like a sailor on shore leave. Apart from that the actual bike was good value for what it does and how much other premium brands cost...not to mention what the Japanese cost now (although you do get quality with them).

Equipment

5 out of 5

Top spec. Love the APRC

5 out of 5

Grinning from ear to ear

20 September 2016
by
Gary

Version :
APRC

Year :
2011

This bike covers all bases, swapped a Fireblade in for this bike and it does not disappoint, the power and torque is unbelievable, engine braking is so so good you hardly need the brakes, no chicken strips on this bike it handles superbly,... Read more electronics are amazing and give you so much confidence.very thirsty however only about 100 miles to the tank but well worth it, sound form stock exhaust is also great, not found any negatives a as of yet .

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

-

Equipment

5 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

I wish I had a wife like that bike

01 September 2016
by
Fabien

Year :
2014

This bikes managed to put me back where I was 25 years ago: like a child drooling for an ice cream on a hot and boring Sunday at the coast. As a former "Ducati man", Aprilia was the bike for the biking Johnnies to me. Well, this Tuono Buono changed... Read more my opinion, ladies!

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

It's a rocket with a parachute. This things puts you on a permanent roller coaster. Makes you regret you didn't go for the RSV4 :-)
It's thirsty on fuel. You don't order a call girl to negotiate her rates, do you? My ex Duc 1098 was a lean and mean racing machine and the Kawa ZX10R was ...another one, but if you're getting a tiny bit older and want to commute without a daily wrist massage (without happy end!), this is thé thing!
Mean an low turns behind high handle bars are still not my thing unfortunately... I'll buy this bloody RSV4 too!

Engine

5 out of 5

Chuck Berry on fire in the ears, accelarations that make you fear for your fillings and even willing to commute! Never thought a bike could be so versatile without being dull like a ...Honda?
It's like a 22 years old beauty, with brains.

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

So far so good. Some kling-klang noises in the engine (when shifting down) remind me not everything is plastic on this thing, As long as nobody's leaving the ship, it's all good.
Starts nicely without a morning mood and there's no shame to show off at the terrace of your favorite pub. That's when you realize more friends had an idea of investing in Aprilia btw.
The finishing touch is not at Ducati or MV Agusta level, but who cares? A good character is so much nicer than great looks (noooot).

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

Second hand remains the best way to get a great value for your pesetas ;-) Buying this new seems expensive for a naked, even for a diabolic naked. Problem is this type of bikes remain a compromise. And I don't compromise over 10 000€ !

Equipment

4 out of 5

The 3 riding modules and 8 traction control levels supposed to make you believe you're such a "crazy" rider you'll need them, seem idiot proove. Even I managed to understand it. THAT's hard evidence!

Buying experience

Second hand after 2 years. Bike had 1 350km. That's less than half the new price. If it appears it was not stolen, I'm a lucky buyer and there is a not so happy seller.

Faultless. only downside is standard seat ok up to 100 miles. but gel alternative fares better

Engine

5 out of 5

Best ever. however off the bottom end up to say 5000 rpm is non existent to flat. unlike Ducati v twins.But after 5000 rpm there is nothing like it anywhere. standard exhaust is well fruity but HOWLS with aftermarket pipe. stunning

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

Overall quality is good. however don't think its up to Ducati standards even pre Audi purchase time...plastic air housing looks really cheap and castings and fixings don't look as good as Ducati. although probably in fairness at least on par with Japanese alternatives. have had clutch cable snap. to be fair dealer advised may be through figment of cheap ebay aftermarket levers. also had oil leak front left hand side. only paid for 30 mins labour....plus point was clutch cable arrived in dealers day after ordered.

Value & Running Costs

3 out of 5

Fuel is ridiculous at 28 mpg. 90 miles then max of 13 miles. then you pushing. I know from experience

The 2014 model omitted from MCN review info was given a few tweaks fuel map, monoblock Brembo front calipers slightly larger tank, some electronic wizardry and a softer more comfy seat and was available in black or white.
I love this bike its... Read more insanely quick and the noise it makes is addictive.The quickshifter is amazing it takes a bit getting used to keeping it wide open and changing up without the clutch but the way it works and the sound it makes is the shizzle!
It's a hard bike to drive slowly not happy below 5k rpm, around town you spend most time in first gear which is good for 60+ mph, 30 in 2nd is just beyond piston slap.
The handling is sublime quick turning and stable at speed. Can be difficult at low speeds as the turning circle is the same as a supersport but crank it up and its light and planted you can crack it wide open at any angle and the gadgets do their thang!

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

The ride is firm even when set soft for road use but is never unsettled even over ragged potholed British roads. The brakes are immensely powerful and take a bit of getting used to the initial bite is weak but once it grabs it grabs hard and if the ABS is on full the lever is soon pulsing. You can brake a little mid bend without upsetting the bike and its amazingly easy to tighten or widen your line mid corner.Powering out of corners is like nothing else even on damp roads you can crack it wide open.
I can ride for around three hours before the numb bum sets in as for pillions my one and only thus far described it as scary perched high behind me getting the full wind blast with the hand grips directly underneath them felt unsecure!

Engine

5 out of 5

Absolute beast if you red line in any gear you're going too fast! Best revved not happy just above tickover.

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

I think its a beautiful looking bike and the quality of the components are great but its not as well put together as a Honda or Ducati the plastics feel flimsy and it does not all line up perfectly. The mirrors on mine fold in at high speed and when accelerating hard. No reliability issues as yet. Paint is great and the polished frame and swingarm adds class.

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

Lots of bike for the money. Not cheap to service but why would it be with all the kit.

Equipment

5 out of 5

It's a supernaked the only thing I'd like it does not have is fuel gauge no biggie!

5 out of 5

2014 Tuono V4 APRC ABS

22 February 2016
by
Duncan

Version :
APRC ABS

Year :
2014

Excellent Machine full of character with sufficient rider aids to ensure a safer and enjoyable journey Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

Good firm ride, well able to handle B roads, and excellent on "the twisties". The seat is comfortable enough on journeys up to two hours, I would not recommend the bike for touring or commuting, but this is not what the bike is about. I would not take a pillion rider on a journey out of choice!!

Engine

5 out of 5

outstanding performance from the V4 engine, sufficient torque after 4000 revs, very flexible up to the 12000+ limit,

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

Thirsty when pressed, however averaging over 34MPG with my relaxed riding style. service intervals reasonably spaced, oil and water use less than expected

Equipment

5 out of 5

Love all the "toys" will probably never test them to the limit, but extremely comforting to know they are there, suggest the minimum amount of intrusion according to skill and ability for the most satisfying riding experience.
They seem complex on first encountering, but quickly become intuitive to a regular rider of the machine.

Buying experience

Excellent service from the Aprilia Dealer in Peterborough, payed the asking price but received a full service and 2 new tyres as part of the deal, excellent PCP package meeting my request to gear the transaction to account for an annual change of vehicle.

4 out of 5

Shame about aftersales

15 September 2015
by
Postie787

Year :
2014

Annual servicing cost :
£200

The good bits are pretty much as described in every other review Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

Comfort wise I can do 150-200 miles without any serious aches and pains

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

2 out of 5

So far I've had the clocks changed due to misting up, front discs changed slightly warped, after 1500 miles one of the fuel clips burst open spewing petrol over the bike and now the fork seals are leaking, all these jobs are covered under the warranty but Aprilias after sales is truly appalling currently looking at 6 weeks for the fork seals which to me shows their utter contempt for the customer

Value & Running Costs

3 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

Considering it's got virtually every bell and whistle a fuel gauge would be nice as I've had a few close shaves nearly running out

I'll give it a 2 because before it gave up the ghost the engine was great. Power delivery was spot on and mental enough to get you into trouble if you wanted to (and out if you needed to as well).

Build Quality & Reliability

1 out of 5

It would have got 0 but that wasn't an option. 1 trip around Scotland and survived 1500 miles. Great first trip and loved the bike. Trip to across several countries to the Lakes in Italy and nearly back. Broke down with about 6000 miles on the clock. 4 months old! Engine intermittently high revving on its own, engine sounding like a bag of gravel. I am waiting to see what is actually wrong with it Needless to say this hasn't done a lot to reverse opinions about Italian bikes.

Value & Running Costs

1 out of 5

Its still in warranty which is a good job otherwise I'd hate to think what value and running costs would be!

Equipment

5 out of 5

-

Buying experience

Bought from a dealer I've used before. Can't fault them for the subsequent problems.

5 out of 5

15 July 2015
by
Bryan

Year :
2014

Wow the feeling on this bike is awesome and the noise of the engine. It pure!
Vraiment un bike de fou Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

Awesome bike to ride

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

Coolent leak and sometime wont start on hot start.

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

5 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

Bonkers!

13 September 2013
by
nickodemon

I would describe this bike as the best bike i have owned. It handles and stops brilliantly, looks immense, aprc package is the best i have used, totally reliable and stonking v4 engine. I have owned the best Japan has to offer, but none have the... Read more character of this Italian gem.